Magical Mitzvah Tour 2013 June 11: Tuesday Everyone arrived from the four corners of the western world. All made it to the Renaissance Hotel in Tel Aviv very smoothly. After checking in some choose to take a nap while others hit the beach and dove into the refreshing waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Many took to the streets and began exploring the many sights of Tel Aviv/Jaffa.

We met in the main dining room of the hotel and enjoyed a very nice buffet dinner. We had a chance to meet the rest of the group and began to get to know each other. As the evening progressed the last few families arrived. A wonderful cake was brought out to celebrate the anniversary of one couple in the group.

It was finally time to return to our rooms. Some of us would be getting up a bit early. Laila Tov, good night.

June 12: Wednesday For some of us the day started at 4:00am. We gathered in the sports bar of the hotel to watch the Miami Heat get crushed by the San Antonio Spurs. Anyway the day could only get better.

After breakfast we boarded our buses and drove to Rabin Square. This is where Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin was assassinated. We spoke a few words and sang part of the song, Shir Lashalom, (A Song of Peace), the words he was singing just moments before his life ended. Back on the bus we drove through the streets of Tel Aviv until we arrived in the biblical city of Jaffa. We walked to the top of the hill and marveled at the skyline of Tel Aviv. Back through the streets of a bustling Tel Aviv until we arrived at the Ayalon Institute. The Ayalon Institute is responsible for hundreds of scientific breakthroughs used by companies specializing in high tech. It is also the location of the famous bullet factory built under the laundry of a kibbutz during the fight against the British before 's independence. We watched a brief film and then entered the old laundry. We climbed down the stairs to the bullet factory and were amazed at what went on there.

Following our tour we were surprised by an impromptu pizza party which was well appreciated as we were all hungry.

At this time we boarded separate buses and each group went off in opposite directions. Bus # 2 headed off to Dig for a Day in an area known for the biblical battle of David and Goliath. We arrived at Beit Gurvrin to excavate the caves of Tel Maresha. These caves were used 2600 years ago during the time of Chanukah. Following our digging and sifting we entered very small caves and went spelunking. We all had a ball and boarded our bus to return to Tel Aviv very satisfied.

Bus # 2 returned to Tel Aviv and drove past the famous Mann Auditorium which is the home of the Israel Philharmonic, the Habima Theater and the Bauhaus District. They also learned more about the White City. We finally arrived at Independence Hall and learned more about modern Israel history and Statehood.

Everyone arrived back at the Renaissance Hotel and wasted no time in exploring and finding great places to dine.

Our first day of touring successfully completed.

June 13: Thursday After breakfast we headed out of Tel Aviv driving north along the west coast of Israel. With the Mediterranean Sea on our left and Israeli Arab villages on our right we could plainly see how narrow the country is a t many points. We arrived at the beach community of Caesarea where Israel's only golf course sits.

We entered the ancient Herodian port built by Herod the Great. We gathered in the magnificent 3000 seat theater to hear a brief operatic concert given by our resident ham. After much applause we strolled to the sea which is the site of Herod's Palace. We marveled at the fresh water swimming pool which sits right in the salt water of the sea.

We walked past the Hippadrome where the ancient gladiators fought and the chariot races took place. We entered a movie theater which took us back in time and visualized for us the history of Herod and Caesarea.

We were beginning to get hungry so we sat down at the Crusader Restaurant and enjoyed lunch with a fabulous view.

We left Ceasarea and arrived at Kibbutz Ma'agan Michael where we were welcomed by Oded Katz, a longtime member of the kibbutz. We got a tour of the exotic fish tanks where the kibbutz sells these colorful species worldwide. We took a bus tour of this very large and diversified operation. We ended our tour with some sweets and short question and answer period with Oded. We thanked him for his time and headed off in search of Kibbutz Nof Ginosar.

We arrived, checked in and headed for the cool waters of the Kinnereth (Sea of Gallilee).

We gathered in the early evening and walked to the water's edge where we boarded the Lido 4 which would take us to our dinner destination. After some disco music and Israeli dancing we arrived at Decks Resaurant which sits directly on the Kinneret. Food began being placed on our tables and before too long we noticed a large boat heading right for the tables where we were seated. The lights went out and sparklers on the boat ignited. We were greeted by our hostess by names. All of our B'nei Mitzvah were called up to receive individual t-shirts in recognition for coming to Israel with their families and synagogue . We all danced the and enjoyed a lavish meal.

We returned to Nof Ginosar in great spirits after another fantastic day .

June 14: Friday For some the day began at 4:00am with a much needed win from the Miami Heat!

Our first stop this morning was the Golani Junction where we prepared to plant trees in the Lavi Forrest or better known as the Miami Forrest. We gathered and participated in a short ceremony which commemorated our being here in Israel to perform this special Mitzvah. We then took our saplings and planted them in the soil of Israel.

Within one hour we arrived at the holy city of Safed. This is the area where the Kabbalah was created and some of the greatest Rabbis taught. We sang L'cha Dodi which was written here and a song we sing every Friday night as we welcome Shabbat. We split into three groups and explored the Sephardic Synagogues, strolled the narrow streets and did some shopping for tallitot and judaica. After finding places to eat lunch, we boarded our buses and arrived at the rafting center. We quickly changed into our bathing suits and were rafting down the Hatzbani River which flows into the Jordan River. We witnessed some real competitive rafting. Everyone had a great time and we were soon on our way back to Nof Ginosar.

We gathered on the grass in a beautiful location to welcome Shabbat. We sang and everyone spoke about how they felt about being on this trip. We ended with the singing of Oseh Shalom and there was much hugging and kissing.

We went to the Kibbutz dining room and wound the evening down with a wonderful Shabbat Dinner. What a great way to begin Shabbat.

June 15: Saturday This morning we headed north and made our way east as we began to head in the direction of the Golan Heights. We crossed the Jordan River and made our way up the first level of what was Syrian territory before 1967. We left the bus and made our way to a beautiful overlook and memorial to the soldiers who gave their lives during the Six Day War. This memorial at Tel Facher serves as a reminder of the painful loses that occur in war. We participated in a Shabbat morning service which concluded with our children reading a poem about not forgetting the young soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. Before leaving we all sang the National Anthem of the State of Israel, Hatikva (the Hope).

We continued to drive deeper into the Golan Heights. We stopped in one of three Druze villages called Basa'da and had a quick lunch of shwarma or a goat cheese sandwich. Within minutes we were back on the bus heading to our next adventure.

We stopped at an overlook which was a stone's throw from the Syrian border. It is really amazing how safe we felt considering a full blown civil war was taking place just a few hundred yards from where we were standing. We learned a great deal about the situation as it concerns the world and especially Israel.

It was now time to try a new high tech scavenger hunt combing the use of people, jeeps and iPads. We raced through the course which brought us within a few feet of the border with Syria. We fulfilled the tasks that were given to us and raced back to the finish line. Winning teams were declared and medals were given. We all had a great time.

On the way back to the kibbutz we stopped for ice cream and some refreshments. We arrived back at Nof Ginosar in time to take one last jump in the Kinneret and begin the process of packing.

We all met on the lawn just outside a tent that had been set up for our farewell BBQ dinner. Before we could eat we had to work up an appetite by engaging in some Israeli dancing. We were spectacular! A fabulous dinner was served.

Following dinner we all walked to the shores of the Kinneret where chairs had been set up surrounding a blazing bonfire. We joined in the singing of the Havdalah blessings and wished each other a Shavuah Tov (A Good Week).

We all sat around the fire and were entertained by some of younger members.

The evening came to an end as we returned to our rooms ready to begin the second part of our trip.

June 16: Sunday We checked out of Nof Ginosar and were on our way, right on time. Bus #1 arrived at the Kinneret Cemetery which sits on the shores of the Kinneret. We learned about the pioneers of the State of Israel who are buried there. All were teenagers who had left their homes in Russia to build the land of Israel. Many died. The land was covered in swamps and infested with Malaria. They struggled but were successful in the fact that the dreams they had did come to fruition.

Bus #2 arrived at the Galita Chocolate Factory where they were all set up waiting for our group to arrive. Everyone received an apron and ingredients for chocolate making. At their own workstations they made chocolate creations. The morning ended with a delightful film about where chocolate come from. Everyone left with much chocolate treats to share.

A short distance from the Cemetery and the Chocolate Factory is the Yardenite. This is the location where Christian Baptisms take place. We were treated to short concert of spiritual all dealing with the mighty Jordan River. We then had time to wander and shop.

It was time to eat so we stopped at the Beit Shean Shopping mall for a quick lunch. Mission accomplished!

We continued driving south through the West Bank and along the security fence with Jordan. Right on time we arrived at Eretz Bereishit (The Land of Genesis). We were met by Eliezer who would arrange for us to go back in time to meet his master, Abraham. This would be facilitated by mounting camels and riding back in time. We did it and we soon met Abraham himself standing in front of his tent. We learned about desert hospitality in ancient days. We ate fruit from that time and were refreshed with cool water, hot tea and coffee. The view of the desert was incredible and as we boarded our camel for the ride back to the present we had big smiles on our faces as we received our International Camel Driver’s License.

We now were driving into the city of Jerusalem. We arrived at the Haas Promenade and were overwhelmed with the coolness of the air and the magnificent view of the Old City. We all sang Yerushalayim Shel Zahav () and then thanked God for having sustained us to reach this moment with the words of Shehecheyanu. After a few more photos, we boarded the busses and drove to the Inbal Hotel which would be our home until the end of the trip We arrived and were welcomed with a rich assortment of juices, sweets and fruit. We all found our rooms and prepared to hit the streets and restaurants.

It was a big day and we looked forward to a big evening, Everyone enjoyed their first night in Jerusalem and returned to the hotel tired but excited to be here.

June 17: Monday The diehard Heat fans assembled in the executive lounge at 3:00am to witness a painful loss to the Spurs. At least we were comfortable!

We began touring in the Old City of Jerusalem. We entered the Jerusalem Archeological Park at the Davidson Center. We walked to the ancient Southern Steps where our ancestors ascended to the temple mount and the Holy Temple. Many of us put on t'fillin and walked up the steps to what was the entrance to the temple. We then entered the Davidson Center and get a better visual idea of what this area looked like in ancient days.

It was now time to cross the plaza to enter the Rabbinic Tunnels. We were able to spend a few moments at the Kotel (Western Wall) before entering the tunnels. It was amazing to descend under the streets and go down centuries. We were amazed at the size of the chiseled stones weighing as much as 1500 tons and how they could have been perfectly placed to make up this massive retaining wall of the temple mount.

We exited into the Christian Quarter and made our way to the Jewish Quarter where food and shopping awaited us.

Some stayed on for more explorations while the younger group made their way to Ir David (City of David). We went down into what was King David's palace and emerged walking through Hezekiah's water tunnel in the dark. We did witness the discovery of a 2600 year old handle belonging to an ancient pitcher. It had just been found and we were able to take photos of it.

We made our way back to the bus through the Palestinian village of Silwan.

Back at the hotel we relaxed, went to the pool and roamed around.

We all found some new spots for dinner and settled in for the night

June 18: Tuesday This morning everyone brought down their bags of laundry and donations of deodorant.

Bus # 1 left for Alyn Hospital which is Israel's leading rehabilitation center for children with severe disabilities. We were met by Brenda who gave us the history of Alyn and we viewed a brief and emotional film. We toured and got a firsthand look of the great work Alyn does for children in need regardless of nationality, religion or country. All were moved by this visit.

Bus # 2 arrived at Beit Kinesset Chanan and were introduced to those who run A Package from Home. We sorted and packed bags of items that Lone Soldiers in the really need. We added the deodorant that we had brought and placed almost 200 bags in a small truck bound for soldiers currently serving in the IDF.

We left our Mitzvah project and drove to the seat of Israeli power, justice and government. We stopped in front to the K'nesset and learned a little bit about Israel's parliament. We stood in front of the Menorah and learned of its powerful importance to the Jewish people. We passed by many of the governmental ministries where the business of governing the country is done. We marveled at the impressive Supreme Court where justice is sought on a daily basis. We took a group photo in front of the Menorah.

We worked up an appetite and soon met up with the other bus at Kibbutz Ramat Rachel for lunch.

After lunch we drove to an overlook where we could see the city of Beit Lechem, better known as Bethlehem. We learned about the challenges that face Israel and the Palestinian.

We arrived at the Firefighters Center of Jerusalem where we viewed some old and new fire trucks and equipment. We witnessed a demonstration on putting out a fire and some of us got a chance to go up in the hook and ladder platform. We took photos dressed in uniform and helmets standing next to the fire trucks .

We returned to the hotel with time for our B'nei Mitvah to go over their service and review their Torah portions.

There was more time for everyone to relax, do some additional shopping and exploring.

All returned to their rooms for another good night's sleep.

June 19: Wednesday The four a.m. Heat crowd gathered and were elated to witness a last minute victory. One more to go!

After breakfast many of us gathered in the lounge to hear from Bonnie who is second-in-command of Women of the Wall. This organization promotes and demonstrates for equal access to the Kotel. She spoke passionately and answered many of our questions.

We arrived at Yad Vashem and after a few minutes we entered the museum to the Holocaust as families. After this emotional but educational experience, we gathered at the Children’s Memorial. We walked through in darkness surrounded by the reflections of only 6 candles in the mirrors of the exhibit. We gathered before the sculpture of Janos Korcec who went to the gas chambers with his students. We listened to the song One Tiny Shoe written by Reverend Lex Rivers who was so moved by his experience here.

We had lunch and then entered Mount Herzl. We viewed the tomb or Theodore Herzl and then stopped to pay tribute to some of the past leaders of Israel who are buried here. We listened to the song Eli, Eli which was written by Hannah Szenesh who was captured and killed by the Nazis along with 6 of her comrades.

The bus returned many of us to the hotel while others were dropped off at the Machane Yehuda (Fruit and Vegetable Market)

After dinner we returned to the Old City and the David Citadel Museum. There we witnessed the Jerusalem Sound and Light Show.

It had been a very powerful day as we returned to the hotel for a good sleep.

June 20: Thursday We were on the move again, right on time. We arrived at the mountain fortress of Massada.

We ascended the mountain by cable car and made our way to the Beit Hamidrash (House of Study). We featured our B'nei Mitzvah and their parents in a lovely and emotional ceremony. Everyone promised to be a more committed member of the Jewish Community. As the ceremony ended, we all sang, hugged and kissed each other.

After some lunch and shopping, we drove to the Mineral Spa for some swimming and floating in the waters of the Dead Sea. With mud smeared all over us, we took many pictures and had lots of fun.

We returned to the hotel and after some freshening up, we went out into the cool night air in search of dinner.

Another great day.

June 21: Friday 4:00 am : Tip off. 6:45am VICTORY! Heat Repeat. We drove into the Palestinian territories and arrived at Herodion, the man made mountain containing the tomb of Herod. It is an amazing site with a fabulous view of Bethlehem and the surrounding villages of Jerusalem.

The group divided:

Bus # 1 went to Gush Zion where they viewed a presentation of the history of this area.

Bus #2 arrived at Deer Park where almost all experienced a ride on the world's second longest zip line.

All returned to the hotel with plenty of time to prepare for Shabbat.

Our B'nei Mitzvah gathered to practice reading from the Torah.

As Shabbat approached, we drove to the Old City and gathered in the plaza of the Kotel. We split into two groups, men and women and made our way to the Wall. Each group welcomed Shabbat with their own service amongst the hundreds gathered there from all over the world.

We returned to the hotel, some on foot others by bus. We joined together in our own private dining room. We sang, blessed our children, recited the Kiddush, said the Motzi and began digging into a wonderful buffet dinner.

What a great way to welcome in Shabbat.

Shabbat Shalom.

June 22: Saturday This morning the bus pulled out and within a few minutes we were entering the world famous Israel Museum. We toured the impressive model of the Old City, viewed the Dead Sea Scrolls and marveled at some of the impressive exhibits on display in the main part of the museum. One could spend days here and just scratch the surface.

We returned to the hotel and after lunch some of us went on a tour of the Christian Quarter of the Old City. We went to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and walked the Via Delarosa.

It was time for everyone to get back to the hotel in order to prepare for the main event.

We entered the campus of Hebrew Union College which prepares rabbinic students to become rabbis in the Reform Movement. We found ourselves in a forest-like environment surrounded by trees which provided shade and a cool breeze. We could see the walls of the Old City before us which provided a beautiful backdrop for family photos. Our service began and was led by all the B'nei Mitzvah. It was very emotional and joyous as each family came up while their children chanted from the Torah. The service ended as the parents blessed their children and candy was lofted in celebration.

We all gathered in a circle and under a full moon we joined in the Havdalah Blessings followed by a rousing hora as we sang Havana Nagillah.

After much hugging and kissing we walked to the reflecting pool plaza where a fabulous buffet was awaiting us. As the DJ played music we all ate heartily. Before dessert, we thanked our trip coordinator Rachel, our bus drivers Shalom and Aaron and our incredible Guides Arieh and Offer.

We all returned to the hotel ready for a good night's sleep. We will remember this evening forever.

June 23:Sunday Some members of our group departed for the airport early this morning. The rest of us drove a short distance to Yad L'Kashish which is an organization that provides work and services to the elderly citizens of Jerusalem. They create wonderful crafts and Judaica which our group bought up. We were also able to meet those who work there and see them working on and creating their beautiful work.

Some came back to the hotel while the rest of us drove to Latrun and entered the National Tank Museum. We took photos and climbed on as many tanks as humanly possible.

Now everyone was back at the hotel and many hit the streets for some last minute shopping.

We gathered in a dining room at the hotel and enjoyed a wonderful dinner. There was much laughter and hugs as this would be our last official activity of the tour.

More departures took place as the remainder of the group prepared to leave the next day.

June 24: Monday The early morning, afternoon and evening were filled with hugs, goodbyes and departures. We were all sad to see this Magical Mitzvah Tour 2013 come to an end. We all promised each other that the bonds that had been created here will continue back in Miami Beach.

The memories will last forever!